Birth....Death

I made this card almost a month ago. I hadn't scanned it in, didn't include it in my readings, felt like maybe it wasn't done. If you've come to any of our gatherings in the last month, you may remember it. I've been asking everyone else what they thought it was. It didn't make any sense to me. Why would there be a baby resting in a pumpkin against a sunset? Wouldn't a baby symbolize birth? And a sunset symbolize death? Why in the world would they both be on one card? I kept thinking it wasn't done. That maybe there was some magic image that would finish it and make it all clear.

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I put it in the deck after the last workshop with the encouragement of the attendees. It came up in the very next reading (of course!) Still..... I wasn't sure.... I wrote:

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I am the one nestled in the gourd. I rest comfortably, not worrying. I rest as the sky changes. The sky, the trees and the water support me as I rest.

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My heart is heavy right now. I hate to see my friends in pain. I hate thinking I will never see a friend again. Why didn't I go hear him play? Busy, busy, busy. My dad and I were talking yesterday-- he went to the viewing and found it very difficult. He's had 2 heart attacks, congestive heart failure, has insulin dependent diabetes & still smokes. He said he looked down on 'this young kid' and could not comprehend how he just had one heart attack and he's gone. My dad said it should have been him in the casket, not Dave. I can't even begin to tell you on how many levels this hurts my heart.

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This morning as I was washing my face, trying to pull myself together, to get moving, to get over this wretched cold which struck me big time yesterday (yes, I know, don't even go there.....) this card popped into my head. And the answer just came pouring out....

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I am the one who is here to let you know that there is no difference between birth and death. At the beginning of your life and at the end of your life you are supported. You can rest, you will be held comfortably, nestled in the loving care of your creator. Do not worry, do not fear, I am with you. Always. The passing of the sun is as beautiful as the beginning of a life. It matters not to your creator, he will hold you up either way. Close your eyes and rest.

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And so it is. Amen.